Furniture from childhood to adulthood using interchangeable panels

ABSTRACT

Furniture pieces designed to span time and style of a user from post-crib to adulthood by use of interchangeable panels. Furniture is comprised of a frame with interchangeable panels and backing panel that are connected by means of an attachment system. Frames may consist of wood, metal or other material; the interchangeable panels may be any material or panel structure suitable to a variety of finishes such as paint, wallcovering, upholstery, veneer, laminate or other.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0001] Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

[0002] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

[0003] 1. Field of Invention

[0004] This panel system relates to furniture, specifically adaptivefurniture spanning childhood to adulthood.

[0005] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0006] Most furniture produced is for use exclusively by either childrenor adults. The problem with furniture intended for children is that ithas a limited time span of use, due to styling, design and otherconsiderations. As a child grows, the parents have a dilemma of what todo with furniture that may no longer suit their child's needs orlifestyle, and are unable to integrate it in other areas of the home.

[0007] This panel system intends to extend the time span of use offurniture by allowing for interchangeable panels that correspond to thematurity level of the user. Panels indicate maturity of the user byfinishes, materials or scenes they depict. In addition, this concept canbe used to change the appearance and use of furniture in accordance withchanging personal tastes, societal styles and fashions, e.g. a childwill often prefer a theme in their room as his/her age changes.

[0008] Interchangeable panels are generally known in the prior art andhave been used in various applications. U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,149,Malshenko, 1994, uses interchangeable panels in a children's playstructure with a limited intent of setting a theme for a play activity.U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,511,348, Cornell, 1996 and 6,170,200, Cornell, 2001,use panels in the context of office decor. U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,800,Shinkosky, 1997, gives a system interchangeable panels for walls. U.S.Pat. No. 4,103,981, Donohue, 1976, is designed for commercial office(desk) application. U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,988, Garran, 1992 describes anornamental crib and kit which does not refer to life-size furniture, andU.S. Pat. No. 4,448,463, Amos, 1984, describes an assembly for storageof articles. All are specific cases, which do not address the certainmaturity changes in growing children.

[0009] To change the identity of the furniture, structural change ideashave also been advanced. U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,427, Golden, 1991,describes a convertible crib-youth bed. However this requires extensivedesign elements, which add complexity and cost to the item.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0010] This interchangeable panel system applies to many types offurniture, including beds, armoirs, end tables, dressers, etc. Itaddresses the need to change furniture appearance as the users matureand styles change. As an example, an attractive armoir may be chosen tobe integrated from a bedroom to a den or library. The mechanical aspectsof this system provide for the easy change of panels.

[0011] Specifically the advantages of the present invention are;

[0012] 1. provide flexibility of theme or decor by use ofinterchangeable panels which will extend the life use of the piece offurniture.

[0013] 2. provide a cost effective solution to furniture purchasesallowing the maximum diversity for the least amount of money

[0014] 3. provide customization of panels to suit personal taste

[0015] 4. provide changeable panels which will add flexibility of use tointegrate individual pieces in other areas of the home.

[0016] 5. provide an heirloom piece for the family.

[0017] 6. provide ease of use for the consumer to change the panels

SUMMARY

[0018] The flexibility of interchangeable panels allows a piece offurniture to adapt to the gender and maturity level of the user, frominfancy to adulthood. Further, it allows for style and decor changes inan economical manner.

DRAWINGS

[0019] Drawing Figures

[0020]FIG. 1 is a series of three perspective drawings depicting theidentical bed in use by the same child throughout different stages ofhis life.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a partial sectional perspective showing a typicalheadboard frame which can be interchanged with different panels toaccommodate the age and style desired by the user.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a perspective of several typical pieces of furniture,which are each designed to accommodate interchangeable panels. The viewshown in this perspective will take a child from a small boy to pre-teenstage.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0023]20 Frame

[0024]25 Interchangeable panel—head

[0025]30 Interchangeable panel—foot

[0026]37 Backing panel

[0027]40 Tabletop—interchangeable

[0028]44 Armoir panel—interchangeable

[0029]50 Drawer front panel—interchangeable

[0030]60 Tabs

[0031]63 Screws

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Description—FIGS. 1 and 2—Preferred Embodiment

[0033]FIG. 1 shows an overall perspective view series using a bed forthe same child at varied ages from post-crib to adulthood usinginterchangeable panels 25, 30. The bed frame 20 consisting of wood ormetal remains unchanged. Style change is accomplished by thesubstitution of interchangeable panels 25, 30. Backing panel 37 supportsthe interchangeable panels 25, 30 and can also act as a style panel ormatch the décor of the frame 20. This figure depicts the adaptability ofa piece of furniture suitable to age, gender and decoration desired.

[0034]FIG. 2 shows a broken perspective of the bed frame. Theinterchangeable panel 25, consists of wood or other conventional panelmaterial decorated on each side, and then inserted into the frame 20.The backing panel 37 made of wood or other conventional material holdsinterchangeable panel 25 flush with the frame. The panel 25 and backingpanel 37 are secured by metal or plastic fasteners 60, which are similarin color to the body of the piece of furniture, and are attached to theframe by screws. Decorative finishes on interchangeable panels 25, 30,may be achieved by hand-painting, stain, wallcovering, veneer,upholstery, unfinished for personalizing, or other custom finish.Alternatively, other fasteners, magnetic closures, hinges or attachmentmechanisms may be used for securing the panels.

[0035]FIG. 3—Additional Embodiments

[0036] Additional embodiments are shown in FIG. 3. Many different typesof furniture pieces can be used with interchangeable panels. The panels25 and 30 are shown in typical use on a headboard and footboard frame.The panel 44 indicates use on an armoir or cabinetry, and panel 50 ondrawer fronts. The frames of the furniture may vary in style ormaterial. The interchangeable panels 25, 30, 44, 50 and associatedbacking panels are used in a vertical or horizontal format, and arefastened by various methods such as tabs, brackets, hinges, or otherlatch mechanism that provides flexibility and ease of use.

[0037] Advantages

[0038] From the description above, a number of advantages of myinterchangeable panel furniture become evident:

[0039] 1. The customization of finishes and designs extend the life ofthe furniture by adapting to several ages, genders, and styles.

[0040] 2. The panels offer the consumer a variety of finishes and luxuryof choice.

[0041] 3. The interchangeable panels can be produced of economicalmaterials and therefore keep consumer costs down if necessary since theydo not require the fine finish of supporting furniture.

[0042] 4. In the case of wooden furniture the less material which isrequired will help to alleviate environmental taxation.

[0043] 5. Interchangeable panels can be purchased separately, and theexpense of an entire ensemble of panels can be defrayed over thelifetime of the furnishings, as opposed to a single initial expense.

[0044] 6. Interchangeable panels can be of different finishes, matchingother areas of the home with minimal effort.

[0045] Operation—FIGS. 1 and 2

[0046] The manner of using the interchangeable panels 25, 30, 44 and 50as in a vertical format is represented in FIG. 2 as follows. The frame20 of a typical bed, or piece of cabinetry is constructed with a smallrecess in the back of the frame. Installation of interchangeable panels25, 30, 44 or 50 is accomplished by inserting the panels into therecessed ledge of the frame with the decorative side of choice showing.A backing panel 37 is inserted behind the interchangeable panels 25, 30,44 or 50. Screws 63 on adjoining tabs 60 are then tightened to insure asnug fit to the frame. For removal of the panel, the screws 63 areloosed, and the tabs swiveled to the side and panels removed.

[0047] Conclusion, Ramfications and Scope

[0048] Accordingly, the reader will see that the use of interchangeablepanels in furniture will provide flexibility for the consumer to alteruse from age, gender, and decor. This system allows the user to spanpost-crib to adulthood in an attractive, efficient and cost effectivemanner. The decorative panels are flexible, can be inserted, turned,removed and disguised with ease of simple closure mechanisms. The panelscan be purchased with the furniture or separately and easily integrateinto other areas of the home. This system provides a long-term furnitureinvestment which is economical and artistic.

[0049] Although the description above contains many specificities, theseshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,but rather as providing examples of some presently preferred embodimentsof the invention. Many other variations are possible. For example, thepanels may be of different quality or material depending on the level ofthe furniture manufactured. Specific themes may be chosen for massproduction, or custom finishes/theme provided. The attachment mechanismsfor the panel to frame will include those mentioned above and othervarieties. The panels can be adapted to current, future and customfurniture design, etc. Therefore, the scope of the invention should bedetermined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, ratherthan by the examples given.

I claim:
 1. Articles of furniture for sleeping, sitting and storagecomprising: (a) supporting structure that has openings over visiblesurfaces, (b) an ensemble of decorative panels, (c) anchoring mechanismsto bind said panels to said supporting structure.
 2. The articles offurniture of claim 1 wherein said supporting structures have groovedrecesses for accommodating said decorative panels.
 3. The articles offurniture of claim 1 wherein said decorative panels can be hand painted,wallcovered, upholstered, veneer or other.
 4. The said decorative panelsof claim 3 can be of a set that parallels the maturation process fromchildhood to adulthood.
 5. The said decorative panels of claim 3 can beof types that function harmoniously with other nearby decorativeelements.
 6. The said decorative panels of claim 3 can be of types thataid the playing of games.
 7. The articles of furniture of claim 1wherein said decorative panels are of material to match to the saidsupporting structures of claim
 1. 8. The articles of furniture of claim1 wherein said anchoring mechanisms can be small metal, plastic, or woodtabs which are screwed into the frame and may swivel as in a pictureframe to hold the panels in place.
 9. The articles of furniture of claim1 wherein said anchoring mechanisms can be magnetic fasteners.